Glazed Roasted Carrots Honey

Glazed roasted carrots with garlic and honey have become my secret weapon for holiday dinners and cozy weeknights alike. The naturally sweet carrots soak up a glossy garlic-honey glaze and turn irresistible after a spell in a hot oven. If you want a simple veggie side that never gets left behind on the table, this one is for you.

I tried these glazed carrots on a whim for a family Sunday dinner and now my sister-in-law asks for the recipe every time she visits. It is one of those dishes that looks fancy but is actually effortless to pull off.

Ingredients

• Carrots: Choose plump fresh carrots for sweetness and slice them on a diagonal for elegant presentation and even cooking

• Unsalted butter: Lends a rich base to the glaze and pairs beautifully with honey and garlic Look for high-quality butter for the creamiest flavor

• Fresh garlic: Four cloves minced release all their aroma into the glaze so use fresh not jarred

• Honey: Helps the carrots caramelize in the oven and adds a subtle floral note Try local or raw honey if you can find it

• Fine sea salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots Taste and adjust as needed

• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a soft heat that balances the honey glaze Use freshly ground for the best flavor

• Chopped fresh parsley: For garnish and a little burst of color and freshness Choose vibrant flat-leaf parsley when possible

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prep:

Heat your oven to two hundred twenty degrees Celsius and grease a large baking sheet Cut your carrots on the diagonal into even pieces so they roast at the same rate

Make the Garlic Honey Glaze:

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and add your minced garlic Let this cook gently for about three minutes stirring occasionally until it turns lightly golden Remove from the heat and stir in honey until the glaze becomes smooth and glossy

Coat the Carrots:

Add your sliced carrots into a large mixing bowl Pour the garlic honey butter over them Sprinkle with salt and black pepper Now toss everything together so every carrot has a little glaze

Arrange and Roast:

Spread the glazed carrots in a single even layer on your prepared baking sheet This helps them roast not steam Slide the tray into the oven and let them roast for twenty two to twenty five minutes Stir once halfway through so the glaze coats each side and the edges caramelize

Finish and Serve:

Taste a carrot for seasoning Add extra salt or pepper if you like Pile the roasted carrots onto a serving dish and scatter over chopped parsley Serve them warm for the best flavor

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I love using freshly picked carrots from the farmers market The carrot flavor shines through and I still remember my nephew sneaking extra bites right off the serving tray after Thanksgiving dinner

Storage Tips

Leftover glazed carrots keep well in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator To reheat spread them in a baking dish and cover with foil then warm at a low temperature until heated through This keeps the glaze nice and glossy The carrots also freeze well Lay them flat on a tray to freeze then store in a zip-top bag They reheat beautifully in the oven

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap baby carrots for regular ones if time is tight or if you like a rounder shape Just reduce roasting time as they cook faster No honey Try maple syrup for a twist Vegan friends can use olive oil in place of butter

Serving Suggestions

Pair these glazed carrots with roast chicken or turkey They also shine next to grilled pork or as part of a vegetarian grain bowl If you want a showier platter tuck in some roasted shallots or drizzle a bit of tangy yogurt over the top

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Cultural and Historical Context

Carrots first gained fame in Europe in the seventeenth century when new strains made them sweeter and brightly colored Glazing veggies in a sweetened sauce has classic French roots It remains a classic technique because the results are gorgeous and crowd pleasing

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I get evenly cooked carrots?

Slice the carrots into similar-sized diagonal pieces for uniform roasting and consistent tenderness.

→ Can I use baby carrots?

Yes, baby carrots work well—just reduce the roasting time since they're smaller and will cook faster.

→ Can this dish be made ahead?

Absolutely. Prepare and roast in advance, then gently reheat before serving for best flavor and texture.

→ What does the honey add?

Honey brings a mellow sweetness that balances the savory garlic and butter, enhancing caramelization during roasting.

→ How should I serve glazed carrots?

Transfer to a dish, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm alongside your favorite mains or as a colorful side.

→ Can I substitute another herb instead of parsley?

Yes, fresh thyme or dill can be used as flavorful alternatives for garnish and added freshness.